One Fan's Opinion: Gary Sanchez the Comeback Kid

[Sherry Cerny]

Gary Sanchez had worn out his welcome in New York. He arrived as a top prospect and became an All Star and won a Silver Slugger Award. In the last two years, things have gone downhill. His bat no longer allowed the team to look past his awful defense. But at least one fan believes that he is capable of a big comeback season. 

Initially, I was excited about the Twins receiving a catcher via trade. After losing Mitch Garver via trade, receiving a catcher in a later trade made sense. That excitement cooled when looking at Gary Sanchez's offensive and defensive numbers. I quickly realized that he has not been good.

He has had some moments of improvement and growth, but overall, nothing shows he is worth hanging onto. With everything he's had stacked against him, a change of scenery, moving from the Bronx Bombers to the Twins, maybe just what revives his career. As I break down his defensive and offensive woes, I also found that his hard work ethic, along with fresh hitting and catching coaches, maybe just what Sanchez needs to make a comeback.

Replacing a fan favorite
When news broke of Mitch Garver's trade to the Texas Rangers, there was a collective shock and sadness from Minnesota baseball fans. The trade was hard to digest, but the Twins had an everyday shortstop and still had Ryan Jeffers and Ben Rortvedt behind the plate. Just as fans were coming to terms with that trade, and then excited by the Sonny Gray trade, an even more shocking trade came to light. 

Late Sunday night, the Twins sent Josh Donaldson, Ben Rortvedt, and the newest acquisition Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Yankees in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. The initial assumption was that the Twins might use Sanchez in a trade for pitching, but with Garver and Rortvedt on new teams, Gary Sanchez will likely be one of the Twins' catchers. 

There is no doubt that Garver showed big improvements over his time with the Twins, both offensively and defensively. Because of that, as well as his presence in the media and on Twitter, he became a fan favorite, The idea that Gary Sanchez of the hated Yankees is replacing a fan favorite may not be sitting well with many Twins fans. 

Defensive Struggles
It will take a lot of change for Twins fans (or coaches or pitchers) to be comfortable with Sanchez behind the plate. His defensive metrics show that he struggles with pitch presentation. The numbers tend to improve and improve more as he works on his positioning and framing. They will have to improve for him to keep playing. 

https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/gary-sanchez-596142?stats=statcast-r-fielding-mlb

The 6'2", 230-pound catcher has been tagged "The Worst Catcher in Baseball," and we can see why if you go solely on his defensive metrics. Watching the video helps as well.

Gary Sanchez's pitch framing and balance issues have been the bane of his existence in New York. A catcher's success is based on his positioning behind the plate in an effort to effectively frame a pitch, which seems to be Sanchez's biggest downfall. He has consistently had a problem maintaining his balance on his left side, leading to dropping down to his knees, which has allowed a lot of passed balls. With framing and receiving, he sits back on his heels with his seat below knee level, and he's moving to the ball with his whole body. 

Gary Sanchez Catching Problems Dissected

Because of his positioning, Sanchez catches the ball with large swiping motions instead of small movements receiving the ball. There is no thought that he will ever win any Gold Gloves behind the plate. Last season, he spent time in on the New York bench, including during the playoffs. The Yankees invested in help for Sanchez that may have helped him get started in the right direction, even if it was too little too late. 

Offensive Struggles
Even though he wasn't what the Yankees were hoping for after his rookie season in 2017, the team continued to give him chances because of his offensive performance early in his career. Gary Sanchez is fantastic offensively, he is an All-Star, but the past two seasons, on top of his defensive struggles, he has still struggled offensively. 

The one-time All-Star has slumped recently in numbers. The one thing that Sanchez is very capable of is hitting home runs. Last year Sanchez hit 23 home runs, one of them being a clutch grand-slam to win the game on September 5th, 2021, to beat the Orioles. 

I hope that Sanchez is willing to do whatever it takes to improve and give the Twins the edge they are deserving. The Yankees saw enough potential in Sanchez to invest time and coaching to improve his skills and get back to where he was before his injuries in 2018.

Willingness to do the work
The Yankees hired a catching coach, Tanner Swanson (the former Twins minor league catching coordinator), specifically to work with Sanchez. Swanson previously helped Mitch Garver improve, and it seems that the catcher whisperer had done it again. While working with Swanson, Sanchez had a vast improvement cutting down on passed balls based on changing his position behind the plate. 

Sanchez does have an impressive pop time of 1.93 seconds (League average is 2.01 seconds) and a cannon for an arm. When he is set right, and in a good rhythm, Sanchez quickly gets people out almost anywhere on the field, which is a defensive dream.

After working with Sanchez for some time, Tanner Swanson told AP News, "I think overall just a much more confident version of the Gary Sánchez than we saw in 2020," Swanson said. "He has attacked the offseason and been accountable for his performance in 2020. I think he's in a perfect place, and his process is sound. I've been pleased."

With Swanson at the helm, Sanchez learned how to use minimal glove movement to improve his strike count by reaching from below the strike zone and making small quick movements to steal the 'low-strike,' a technique Swanson also worked on with Mitch Garver, Ben Rortvedt, and other catchers in the Twins organization. As Sanchez continued to work on his defense, it was clear that he was not improving much. When he stopped being productive with the bat too, he needed to move on from the Yankees. 

Gary Sanchez is not a lost cause yet; perhaps a change of scenery by moving to Minnesota, a new catching coach, and a second chance would benefit the catcher. 

Why I Believe Gary Sanchez Can Have a Big Comeback Season
The Twins have hired several new coaches in the offseason, but two will be especially instrumental in working with Sanchez. David Popkins is the new hitting coach, and on December 10th, the Minnesota Twins hired a new coach, former big-league catcher Hank Conger who has been coaching in KBO since before the pandemic.

Hank Conger is a former MLB catcher who bounced around as a coach in the minors for three seasons after his 2015 season with the Astros. He has spent the past two years as a coach in Korea for the Lotte Giants. While this will be his MLB debut as a coach, the resounding applause of his hire is promising for the Twins and, hopefully, the catcher core. 

Conger has seen a lot of change from when he was drafted and began in professional baseball to now. Pitch framing is his most significant focus. All of his managers were former catchers; Conger was able to get many perspectives that he credits with who he was as a catcher and how he is now as a catcher's coach. 

When it comes to pitchers and hitters that come up, Conger's focus is on how he can help the catchers have all the information on his pitchers and the opponent's hitters. Information comes from scouting reports or in-game information. The relationship with the pitchers is just as crucial to Conger as it should be to the catcher. 

The catcher-pitcher relationship is the most important relationship on the field; from game management to communication, there must be trust between the two players and, most importantly, hard work. 

Sanchez is no stranger to hard work with pitchers; in fact, he's previously worked with Sonny Gray, the most recent Twins pitching acquisition from the Cincinnati Reds, and they have a history. Both players played for the Yankees in 2018, but the relationship was not productive. Gray had Sanchez as a catcher, but after a string of miscommunication and inconsistent tempo between the two, Gray opted for Austin Romine as his catcher. That did not stop Sanchez from wanting to improve. 

Gary Sanchez spent a lot of time watching Gray and Romine from the dugout, learning the pitcher and catcher's pitches, personality, and tempo. The hope is that the reunion in a new environment will work together with the help of the pitching and catching staff to create the tempo they couldn't find in 2018. 

Be ready for a big season
Sanchez is no stranger to powerful hitting and elite catching. The past two seasons, he certainly has struggled to find his stride. Whether it was a case of being in his head or his mechanics, there is an opportunity here in Minnesota for Sanchez to start fresh. 

If Sanchez can improve his form behind the plate and framing, he just might become a dangerous weapon for the Twins, both defensive and offensively. He already possesses the power at the plate with his swing to be a part of the beloved "bomba-squad." Whether as the DH or behind the plate, he has the potential to be a significant asset on this squad.

The Twins organization is set up for players to succeed. They are finding the coaches and players to grow a successful team, and if he puts in the work to be successful, and with the new rotation of pitchers and coaching staff, Sanchez will have a chance to shine.  

 

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[Nashvilletwin]

Thank you for this comprehensive post. Very informative and a hopeful take.

If anything, it’s more likely that his hitting rebounds - at least he was a really good hitter at one point. He’s never been a good catcher, so we shouldn’t expect his catching to improve. Thus, it may turn out Gary DH’s more than he catches. We will need to carry three catchers for sure.

I will be cheering for Gary. But, I’ve never been a big believer in the change of scenery theory for veteran professionals; so at this point I’ve got the under…..hope I’m wrong. 

[twinssporto]

Great post! Thanks for doing this.

My take: He goes yard all year...breakout year. I'm all in....Why not?

[LastOnePicked]

This is an outstanding article, Sherry. You're opening my cold, black heart to having Sanchez here as a Twin. I'm still skeptical of his defense, but I hope he has a great season, and plays a crucial role in a pennant run.

[strumdatjag]

If Sanchez can improve his hitting, then the Twins may be one year early.  If, next year, umpires stop calling balls and strikes, and that authority is given to a computer, then “pitch framing” will become an obsolete skill. 

[The Mad King]

Well written article, Sherry. I hope Sanchez can live up to your standard!

[mikelink45]

Sorry, I could not handle this - glad you and others think well of Sanchez.  I am ready to move on, but thanks for trying to convince me. 

[specialiststeve]

Am hoping that he can with a fresh start get back to being a great player... he was for a blink of an eye. 

[tony&rodney]

Gary Sanchez has struggled mightily as a catcher. We can hope that he is able to improve in small ways behind the plate. He looked a little bit more fit today than I remembered him from all of the times I saw him last year. that's probably not true but I'm going to hope he does well. The article was very positive.

[Doctor Gast]

If this is the best that Sanchez has done under Tanner Swanson, I don't think anyone else can improve much more on it IMO.

[GNess]

Gary Sanchez has had three really good years as a hitter and three poor seasons. Yes, the trend line is heading in the wrong direction, but it hardly is determinative or certain that Sanchez will not hit well this season.

If Jeffers as the regular C and whoever is the regular DH (Sano? Arraez?) play 100-120 games and produce as the FO hope then Sanchez's appearances can also be framed vs pitching in which he is more likely to succeed as an optimal usage for him.

This is not a prediction, but Sanchez may prove to be a decently productive role player with some power.

[DJL44]

Good analysis. You have to believe an awful lot in the framing metrics to think he's awful. RField has him below average, but not awful, most of his career though last season was by far his worst behind the plate.

I personally don't think the framing metrics are comparing things on the correct scale. I'm not a believer in a single ball/strike decision getting a run value assigned to it.

[Otaknam]

Because of the mental aspect of the game baseball players, more than any other sport, can resurrect their careers after a down year. Because Sanchez struggled  he was under tremendous pressure in the NY media microscope and that would wear on most players. Let’s hope a change of scenery and new coaches make a difference, at least offensively. I’m still not sure how Sanchez and Jeffers can both get enough playing time, given Sanchez’ poor defense. I still think another trade might be in the works. 

[Sherry Cerny]

15 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Thank you for this comprehensive post. Very informative and a hopeful take.

If anything, it’s more likely that his hitting rebounds - at least he was a really good hitter at one point. He’s never been a good catcher, so we shouldn’t expect his catching to improve. Thus, it may turn out Gary DH’s more than he catches. We will need to carry three catchers for sure.

I will be cheering for Gary. But, I’ve never been a big believer in the change of scenery theory for veteran professionals; so at this point I’ve got the under…..hope I’m wrong. 

Hey Nashville!!! I am ALSO cheering for him!! I think we have the tools for him to do what he needs to be successful, he just has to put in the work!

[Sherry Cerny]

2 hours ago, Otaknam said:

Because of the mental aspect of the game baseball players, more than any other sport, can resurrect their careers after a down year. Because Sanchez struggled  he was under tremendous pressure in the NY media microscope and that would wear on most players. Let’s hope a change of scenery and new coaches make a difference, at least offensively. I’m still not sure how Sanchez and Jeffers can both get enough playing time, given Sanchez’ poor defense. I still think another trade might be in the works. 

You know he is the one trade piece I am NOT sure how it's going to work. This article was purely speculative and a little bit of hope! hahaha!

[Sherry Cerny]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Good analysis. You have to believe an awful lot in the framing metrics to think he's awful. RField has him below average, but not awful, most of his career though last season was by far his worst behind the plate.

I personally don't think the framing metrics are comparing things on the correct scale. I'm not a believer in a single ball/strike decision getting a run value assigned to it.

I don't care for metrics. That being said, they are helpful for learning, but when it comes to players and defending them or showing their value, I find them to be a bit of a pain. I love this comment. It makes me feel good that the other fans see what I see. 

[Sherry Cerny]

12 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

If this is the best that Sanchez has done under Tanner Swanson, I don't think anyone else can improve much more on it IMO.

Yeah I know....a little scary to be honest...but I do like Conger!

[Sherry Cerny]

8 hours ago, GNess said:

Gary Sanchez has had three really good years as a hitter and three poor seasons. Yes, the trend line is heading in the wrong direction, but it hardly is determinative or certain that Sanchez will not hit well this season.

If Jeffers as the regular C and whoever is the regular DH (Sano? Arraez?) play 100-120 games and produce as the FO hope then Sanchez's appearances can also be framed vs pitching in which he is more likely to succeed as an optimal usage for him.

This is not a prediction, but Sanchez may prove to be a decently productive role player with some power.

I think so too, Ness!!!! I really think that he can come out of this!

[Sherry Cerny]

15 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

This is an outstanding article, Sherry. You're opening my cold, black heart to having Sanchez here as a Twin. I'm still skeptical of his defense, but I hope he has a great season, and plays a crucial role in a pennant run.

THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR!!!!!! Thank you LastOnePicked!!!! :)

[Sherry Cerny]

15 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

If Sanchez can improve his hitting, then the Twins may be one year early.  If, next year, umpires stop calling balls and strikes, and that authority is given to a computer, then “pitch framing” will become an obsolete skill. 

HAS to be a skill. Should still be skill, to be honest and he is horrible at it!!! he HAS to get better

[Sherry Cerny]

13 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Gary Sanchez has struggled mightily as a catcher. We can hope that he is able to improve in small ways behind the plate. He looked a little bit more fit today than I remembered him from all of the times I saw him last year. that's probably not true but I'm going to hope he does well. The article was very positive.

I am glad you thought it was positive. I was struggling to write it to be honest, but the more I looked into, the more I believed in him. 

[Sherry Cerny]

14 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

Am hoping that he can with a fresh start get back to being a great player... he was for a blink of an eye. 

I hope so!!!

[Sherry Cerny]

15 hours ago, twinssporto said:

Great post! Thanks for doing this.

My take: He goes yard all year...breakout year. I'm all in....Why not?

ha ha! right!?

[Sherry Cerny]

14 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Sorry, I could not handle this - glad you and others think well of Sanchez.  I am ready to move on, but thanks for trying to convince me. 

Hey! thanks for reading and your input! IT is a hard sell! it's not going to be an easy player/season, so thank you for your honesty! 

[Trov]

One thing Sanchez will learn is if he gets off to hot start the Twins fans will love him and even if he fades they will look at the hot start as what might be.  If he gets off to slow start fans will get on him for his lack of offense.  I am not sold on him as a DH or backup catcher, but he has shown he may be something and will trust our coaches to help him get back to what he was. 

[DocBauer]

A very well written article and some quality perspectives!

Not a big fan or believer in Sanchez. However. Once upon a time he was a top prospect, an All Star and a Silver Slugger. Just 3yrs ago? Seems longer. And I honestly thought he was older than he is.

A change of scenery, a fresh start, different voices being heard/interpreted differently CAN sometimes make a difference. I hope in this case he has at least a decent rebound. As I've stated elsewhere, non-horrid defense, a .230 AVG with power and continuing to keep his OB above .300 could at least provide a solid bench option. 

[Doc Munson]

I WANT him to be good, but it is just still a confusing fit. So we are back to a R/R catching platoon???   That is not a fault of Sanchez, it just doesnt make sense. at least with Rotvedt we had a L/R, but then again without that trade we wouldnt have cleared $ for Correa.

Thsi was a much better article than I thought it was going to be. so well done there. But still show slittle more than just pure HOPE he will improve.

And what makes him even MORE dangerous, being such a poor pitch framer... and such a poor pitch  CATCHER, is that he will be handling a predominantly young pitching staff. That is a very scary conbination.  

 

I think the best to hope for is that he can "click" with at least 1 pitcher, and be a personal catcher to at least 1 starting pitcher.  That will give him catching duties for about 20% of the games or 32 games catching per season, and the rest at DH. So 32 games caught from plus add in another 10-15 games on top of that, leaves 115-130 for starting catcher Jeffers.  THAT kind of split I can live with.

 

AND that implies that Jeffers himself can establish himself firmly as a starting catcher.

 

But I would be insanely happy for a 120/32 gaem split for DH/catcher for Sanchez.  We will have a very succesful season with those splts.  Those splits would indicate 2 things.

 

#1 that Jeffers HAS indeed shown to be a starting catcher.

#2 (to a lesser degree) That Sano is hitting/playing well enough to NOT get pushed off 1B.

 

[Dawgzilla]

You always have better stats when you have studs protecting you in front and behind you in the order, like the Yanks had with their team!!!!  No to hard to figure out!  What do you think Buxton would do in Yanks lineup (probably #1 or 2 hitter)??  He would steal 30+ bases, hit 35 home runs, knock in 110 runs, score 1115+ runs, etc...that is what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[4twinsJA]

I look for Twins to use Sanchez primarily as DH, and occassionally at C, third C behind Jeffers and Gogoy. Without pressure of playing in NY and physical stress of catching, Sanchez's hitting will improve. Could hit 25+ HRs this year.

[Doctor Gast]

I'd really like to see Sanchez turn it around and maybe with a positive surroundings he can. I'd like to see what he can do in ST. I'm a firm believer of 2nd chances, last ST we were in a desperate need of a viable back up to Buxton. Broxton excelled in every aspect at CF and Cave sucked again there. Instead of a no brainer call up of Broxton, giving him a vote of confidence and recognition which he needed, they broke camp w/ Cave. Sending the message that we don't care how hard you tried we are bringing up this bum. This is one of the reasons that we had a losing record last season.